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The arguments for scripture are a good advertisement for General Religious Education
By Hugh Harris
If you ever sought an illustration of how a narrow phalanx of special interests can elbow aside popular opinion, then look no further than the continued presence of scripture classes in Australian public schools.
Yes, in taxpayer-funded institutions founded as free, secular and compulsory we still witness the weekly incursion of untrained, ecclesiastical volunteers delivering lessons indistinguishable from Sunday School.
"Offering lessons in the types of religious thought and expression in Australia and the world, aimed at nurturing understanding and tolerance, GRE offers the chance for children to learn about faith without being forced to swallow it whole.”
Hugh Harris
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